Helen Jean Fanning (Risley), 91, passed away on May 5, 2026.

Jean was born on June 20, 1934 in Roanoke, Missouri. She was the seventh of nine children born to Laura Francis Rucker and Cecil R. Hendren. Raised on a farm near Ten Mile Community near Macon, MO, she attended Macon High School where she met her husband, Robert "Bob" Fanning.

Jean spent many years working for various banks as a loan officer. She was also a longtime member of T.O.P.S in Smithville, MO, achieving K.O.P.S status.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; grandchildren, Jason and Jessica Fanning; brothers, Elwood, Edwin, Walter, Vencil and Howard Hendren; and sister, Sue Barton. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Fanning of Kansas City, MO; daughters, Marla (Ted) Seybold of Kansas City, MO, Bobbi (Mike) Catanzarite of Orcutt, CA, Lori (Joe) Rodriguez of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Angela Couts (Tim) Dzubay of KCMO, Lisa Fanning of Florida, Christopher (Michelle) Fanning of San Diego, CA, Laci (James) Brisco of Venture, CA, Ashley (Brian) Adams of Liberty, MO; 14 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Salisbury and Marjorie Kitlenski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Saturday, May 9th with visitation beginning at 12:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm and burial. Services will be available to view at the following link > https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=adc591b2-d575-4dbf-88d7-abfc733f044e. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to NorthCare Hospice or to Nashua Baptist Church. In honor of Jean's colorful personality, you're welcome to attend in your favorite, colorful outfit.